First ever driver’s licence suspension issued in Venezuela
The first person to ever have their driver’s licence suspended in Venezuela was banned from the road by authorities late last week.
Ramon Parra, 41, lost his licence for 12 months after the bus he was driving was found to be speeding, carrying too many passengers and missing a rear wheel. The bus’s sixth wheel was stored in the central aisle inside with the passengers.
Venezuela is infamous for its relaxed attitude towards traffic enforcement and a system that promotes freedoms for drivers.
Venezuela is the highest oil producer in South America. Fuel prices have been on hold at around 12c/US gallon (3.17c/litre) for years.
The law giving Venezuelan authorities the power to suspend drivers’ licences was first introduced in 2008, although it has not been enforced until now.
One passenger on board the bus told Reuters he supported the beginning of a crackdown on dangerous drivers in his home country.
“Of course, they have to be tough. They have to be tough. Because if not when will it end?” Diego Perez said.
According to Reuters, the maximum penalty under the Venezuelan road laws introduced in 2008 is a five-year suspension for killing someone.
Note: Actual bus not show, picture for illustration purposes only.
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